The Butlers of Ormond(e)

The derivation of the name Butler of Ormond is complicated. Originally the family surname was Walter. It was during the reign of Henry II, while Theobald Walter was styled pincerna (Latin) or boteillier (Norman French) ‘butler’, or ceremonial cup-bearer to Prince John, Lord of Ireland, that the surname Butler came into usage.

Theobald was also granted large tracts of lands in Ireland by Prince John and it was from the situation of some of these grants that the later title Oir Mhumhan (Gaelic) – East Munster or Ormond – derives.